In search of an italian deli, good bread, italian products, charm. I shop in Zabars, but I wnat an italian taste. Please advise.
Laura

Oh my, are you in for a treat if you can make it up to the Bronx. Arthur Avenue has a dozen different shops offering an *amazing* assortment of Italian everything -- meat, cheese, desserts, bread, etc. If true Italian is what you're looking for, you must head north to Arthur Avenue.

(Search this site for other info -- it has been discussed before.)

Yep, so a text search for "arthur avenue" and several helpful threads will come up, including detailed directions using the subway. Metro North actually has a stop closer to A.A. than the 4 train, but that's another story.
Good Luck!

Gekko,
Thanks for that,,,,, I think that is the place that I was looking for. I knew it was in the Bronx, but I didn't know the name. Looking forward to it.... May go watch my boys while I am there.

A closer trip than the Bronx would be a PATH train ride to Hoboken NJ where there are a number of bread-only bakeries with real brick/coal ovens. Most of the delis get bread from a few of the main ones in town, and in their own right make fresh mozzarella everyday for their sandwiches (theirs a bit of rivelry in town for who makes the best).

Delis i'd recommend in Hoboken: Fiore's, Vito's, M&P Biancomano, Lisa's. The first 2 are the best, but Fiore's often runs out of bread by 2:30 or so and stops making sandwiches. (but on Thur and Sat they make a roast beef with mozzarella and gravey which they're known for and is VERY good). Any of the above will give you the italian deli experience you're looking for.